Enjoy these November recommendations from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’ only independently owned bookstore.
The City and Its Uncertain Walls
by Haruki Murakami
In this moving story, a man is deeply affected by the mysterious disappearance of his first love, a loss that shapes his life’s journey. As he searches for her, he finds himself straddling two worlds: the familiar realm of reality and a magical, walled town filled with unicorns and overseen by a curious Gatekeeper. Here, shadows take on a life of their own, creating a dreamlike atmosphere where reality and imagination intertwine.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Tokyo behind, he settles into a quiet life as a librarian in a serene mountain town. There, he uncovers the peculiar fate of his predecessor, which pulls him further into the mysteries of the enchanted city. Along the way, a young boy appears, guiding him to rediscover the pieces of himself he has long overlooked.
This beautiful story touches on themes of love, loss, and identity while weaving in elements of magical realism. It invites readers to reflect on the nature of truth and the delicate boundaries between reality and fantasy, all while celebrating the importance of books, libraries, and the narratives that help us navigate our lives.
Revenge of the Tipping Point
by Malcolm Gladwell
Almost twenty-five years after introducing the concept of “tipping points,” Gladwell returns with a fascinating theme of social contagions. He revisits the mechanics behind tipping points, sharing personal insights about societal crises such as COVID-19 and the opioid epidemic, uncovering the more troubling aspects of how these phenomena spread.
Playground
by Richard Powers
Set on an enchanting island, four lives converge, intertwining humanity’s past and future. Through underwater adventures, artistic journeys, and ancient games, unexpected connections flourish in a world propelled by innovation. Power’s lyrical prose and character insights invite readers to ponder the delicate balance between human ambition and environment, making this an inspiring read.
Serviceberry
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
A heartfelt reminder that mutual flourishing, not hoarding resources, is essential for survival. Kimmerer illustrates the connection between Indigenous wisdom and the natural world, reflecting on the flaws of a scarcity-driven economy, he suggests wealth should not be defined by material possessions but by strength of relationships and the Earth.
Visit Bookish, located in The Bakery District in historic Downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas.
